Question: Are there any lessons that changed your life and that you'd like to pass on to your daughter and grandchildren?
There are people whose presence in my life has been life-changing. Your dad, Jim, is one of them. As are some of the people I've worked with and some that I've met during the turbulent years of my early 30s. I can't really point to specific lessons, it's more events, both internal and external, that taught me who I am and what I'm capable of.
I had two truly life-changing periods in my life, first when my family left the Soviet Union and second around the time that I met your dad during the year I turned 30. Each of those periods has shaped me for the years to come and each has contributed to who I am today. But it's the second shift, the year I turned 30, that was a huge turning point in my life. Through the events of that year and the years that followed I learned to believe in myself and in my ability to survive.
What I would like to pass on to you is this... Don't be afraid to try new things and to make mistakes, but at the same time, always be aware of others who are affected by your choices. Moving across the country to follow true love is amazing when you're young and free, but it's quite a different experience when you are a single parent to a child who needs your love and support. It wouldn't necessarily be any easier, but it would probably be a lot less frightening.
So, live life to the fullest, whatever that means for you, just keep in mind that your choices affect others and some of those others may or may not be able to speak for themselves.
